I had finished working on the third season of Quantico. Playing Alex Parrish had become easy. I was looking for something to challenge me. After I finished reading the script, I sat quietly for about an hour. I thought about life, loss, and laughter. I was moved by it and that’s what you want.
Did you have to take time out for preparation?
I did a lot of prep before the filming, including meeting the woman on whose life the story is based. I am not a mother. I can claim to empathise but not understand what it feels like to lose a child. So I depended a lot on Shonali Bose (the director), who has also lost a child.
Was co-producing this movie a spontaneous decision?
I wanted my company, Purple Pebble Pictures, to stand on its own feet without me. That’s why I had not acted in the movies that I have produced, till date. When this came along, I called up Sid (Siddharth Roy Kapoor) and Ronnie (Screwvala) and asked if I could co-produce with them. I wanted to put my might behind this movie and give it the support it deserves. This is a story I’m proud of.
You dabble in many things apart from being an actor and producer. How do you manage to multi-task?
It’s not easy. It takes a toll on me — not sleeping enough, travelling all the time and not having much personal time. But then, if you want the sky, you have to find a way to reach it.
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Do you find time for yourself after marriage?
Both Nick (Jonas) and I are extremely busy this year. When we got married last year, we knew that this year is going to be crazy for both of us. When you find a partner who is supportive of your individual dream, then you will have the ability to fly as high as you want.
Both Nick and I are supportive of each other’s aspirations and ambitions. We have a rule. We try to meet each other every two weeks, it’s now extended to three weeks because of me. We keep each other informed about our days and Facetime every day.
How different are the experiences of working in the US and India?
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The language of filmmaking is the same, be it the director pushing you to do the best work or the producer wanting it to be done on time. However, culturally they are very different. Since I lived in the US as a teenager, I understand the country.
Tell us about your next project, the Netflix adaptation of Aravind Adiga’s The White Tiger.
We just did our table read. We will start filming it in Delhi in October-end. I’m a big admirer of director Ramin Bahrani, an Iranian-American filmmaker who has made amazing movies such as Fahrenheit 451 (2018). The White Tiger is one of my favourite books. I was very moved by it when I first read it. The character of Pinky will be interesting to play. Raj (Rajkummar Rao) is an actor I really admire and haven’t worked with. That would be fun. I am also the executive producer on The White Tiger.
Was turning a producer a natural progression for you?
I wanted to have a long-term plan. Being a female actor, you don’t know how long your career will be. It’s true. Also, I reached a point in my career where I had the ability to support movies beyond just being an actor.
Farhan Akhtar has been your director, producer and co-actor. How was it to act with him in The Sky is Pink?
I felt very proud when in 2005 he approached me to act in Don. I was only two movies old then and he was a big name after Dil Chahta Hai. I have always admired his creativity. Now, it is a full circle when I can produce a movie he is acting in and he says that he is proud of me.
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Shonali was one of several women filmmakers showcased at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Are things changing?
TIFF has made a commitment to show a 50:50 ratio of women to men filmmakers. Such a step is commendable. I want to see a time when we stop saying ‘women filmmakers’ and instead call them ‘filmmakers’.
Alaka Sahani is a prominent film critic and journalist based in Mumbai. With a career spanning over two decades, she has established herself as one of India’s most authoritative voices in cinematic journalism, known for an analytical approach and insights that transcend the standard cycle of celebrity journalism.
Expertise & Accolades
In 2014, Alaka was honoured with the National Film Award for Best Film Critic. Her Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) citation specifically lauded her for "highlighting facets of cinema beyond glamour and gossip" and for her ability to delve into the contemporary relevance of iconic filmmakers. Her commitment to journalistic integrity was further recognised in 2019 with a Special Mention at the Red Ink Awards for her investigative feature, 'In Search of a Star'. Her article titled 'People Like Us', published in The Indian Express on March 27, 2022, was shortlisted for Red Ink Award, 2023.
Global Industry Leadership
Alaka’s expertise is sought after by major international and domestic film bodies:
Golden Globes: In 2025, she joined the international voting body for the 83rd Annual Golden Globes.
National Film Awards: She served on the prestigious jury for the 68th National Film Awards, helping select the finest contributions to Indian cinema.
Global Perspective: Her work consistently bridges the gap between commercial Bollywood A-listers and emerging independent talents, offering nuanced insights into both Indian regional cinema and international film trends.
Focus & Vision
Beyond the screen, Alaka is a dedicated observer of Mumbai’s vibrant theatre scene and the historical evolution of the moving image. Through her long-form articles and deep-dive interviews, she continues to challenge "tried-and-tested" templates, providing readers with a deep understanding of the artistic and systemic workings of the Indian and global film industry. ... Read More
